Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Singur Dam Repairs Trigger Hyderabad Water Crisis
A dam that supplies water to a big city and farms needs repairs.
To fix it, the water has to be let out, which means the city won't have enough drinking water for a while.
Farmers who use this water for their crops will also have trouble growing things.
So, people are trying to find other ways to get water for the city and telling farmers to grow plants that don't need as much water, or to take a break from farming.
The repairs are expected to take several months, and everyone hopes the dam will be good as new before the next rainy season.
Planned repairs to Singur Dam will significantly reduce water supply to Hyderabad, impacting about 30% of its drinking water needs.
An expert committee will convene on November 19 to explore alternative water sources for the city and irrigation.
No viable alternative irrigation sources exist for the 66,000 acres dependent on Singur water, leading to advice for crop holidays.
Affected regions in Nizamabad and Medak districts will rely on the Manjeera barrage for water under the Mission Bhagiratha scheme.
The reservoir will be emptied starting in December for repairs on damaged sections, with work expected to conclude by July.
- Who
- Authorities and an expert committee
- What
- Planned repairs to the Singur Dam, leading to a drinking water and irrigation crisis.
- When
- Repairs to begin in December and expected to finish by July.
- Where
- Singur Dam, serving Hyderabad and Sangareddy and Medak districts.
- Why
- Critical repairs are needed on the dam's damaged earth bunds and structural components.
Farmers' Concerns
Government Solutions
Irrigation Alternatives
Farmers' Concerns
There appear to be no viable alternative irrigation sources for the 66,000 acres dependent on Singur water.
Government Solutions
Farmers have been advised to observe a crop holiday or switch to less water-intensive crops.
- Dam Name
- Singur Dam
- Water Contribution to Hyderabad
- Approximately 30% of the city's drinking water needs
- Annual Drinking Water Supply
- About 6.96 tmc ft
- Irrigated Land
- 66,000 acres (40,000 in Sangareddy, 26,000 in Medak)
- Mission Bhagiratha Supply
- About 5.7 tmc ft annually to Nizamabad and Medak districts
- Repair Timeline
- December to July (expected)
- Reduced Reservoir Capacity During Repairs
- Approximately 0.85 tmc ft
